Liverpool line up second defensive midfielder transfer after Wataru Endo deal

Liverpool are still looking to recruit a second defensive midfielder as Anfield chiefs put the finishing touches on the shock £15.4million signing of Stuttgart’s Wataru Endo. The Japan international was spotted on Merseyside on Thursday as he completed his medical checks and he will be available to feature in the Premier League on Saturday against Bournemouth should he be registered by 12pm today (Friday).

In the midst of Liverpool’s transfer crisis, Endo was a signing recommended to Jurgen Klopp by sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, who holds the player in high regard from his time working in the Bundesliga with Hannover, Koln and Wolfsburg.

But Endo is not expected to be the only new arrival between now and the September 1 transfer deadline as Liverpool recognise they need more than one defensive midfielder if they’re to consider themselves genuine challengers this season.

Other names are actively being explored with Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure among the options towards the top of Klopp’s shortlist.

Tying Michael Olise down to a new long-term contract could potentially help the Reds if they were to move as the Eagles would no longer be losing two key players at once in the final stretches of the window.

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Olise had looked set to sign for Chelsea after they triggered his £35m release clause but now he will be staying with the Eagles.

Doucoure is valued at upwards of £60m but given Liverpool have shown their hand and the vast amounts of cash at their disposal following their failed move for Moises Caicedo, negotiations could prove difficult.

Joao Palhinha is also rated highly by Anfield chiefs but he would represent a major roll of the dice when assessing his age (28) and the kind of money Fulham would demand to sanction a late sale. He is also yet to return to full fitness following a shoulder injury.

Sofyan Amrabat is a more cost-effective option and contact has been made to determine the financial conditions of a deal for the Moroccan.

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He can leave Fiorentina this summer for around £30m but with Manchester United also in the running, Liverpool know they may have a battle on their hands trying to entice the 26-year-old into the move.

Reports in France have also linked Liverpool with a shock move for Mario Lemina of Wolves.

He would be available for around £10m but at the age of 29, it seems somewhat questionable to be adding two ageing midfielders to Liverpool’s ranks when considering the long-term future of Klopp’s squad.

Ryan Gravenberch remains an avenue Klopp would be willing to explore should the Dutchman be made available.

However, there has still been no change on that front as Bayern are not prepared to cut their losses on the former Ajax man after just one season in the Bundesliga.

There is still optimism he will fulfil his potential in Bavaria and Manchester United would also be prepared to rival Liverpool in the race for his signature should something change.

Liverpool have also failed to receive any form of indication that Aurelien Tchouameni would be available for a big-money fee this summer as the Real Madrid maestro is of long-term admiration to Klopp.

There have been murmurs that Liverpool could test the waters for the Frenchman, who they tried to land from Monaco last summer, but he is expected to stay at Real Madrid where he is more than happy.

Benfica’s Florentino Luis is another credible option on the table and he could be available at the right price despite Nottingham Forest’s failure to land the Brazilian in recent weeks.

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